Pacific Tarn, Glacial lake at 13,420 feet in White River National Forest, Colorado.
Pacific Tarn is a glacial lake in White River National Forest, Colorado, sitting at roughly 13,400 feet (about 4,085 m) above sea level. The lake occupies a rocky, open alpine bowl with no tree cover, surrounded by steep slopes on most sides.
The lake went without an official name for a long time and was only formally recognized by the United States Board on Geographic Names in January 2004. Before that, it was known to hikers and climbers in the area but had no official standing on maps.
The name Pacific Tarn stands out in the Colorado Rockies, where most high-altitude lakes carry names tied to local history or geography. Visitors often wonder about the origin of the name, which adds a layer of curiosity to the already remote setting.
The main way to reach the lake is via the McCullough Gulch Trail, which crosses open alpine terrain that can be slippery or icy depending on the season. Late summer tends to be the most practical time to visit, as seasonal wildlife closures are usually no longer in effect.
Despite its small size, the lake reaches a maximum depth of about 28 feet (roughly 8.5 m), which is quite deep for an alpine tarn of this type. The water stays very cold year-round, rarely warming enough to support much aquatic life.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
